Words: Cathering Black | Images: Supplied
Even just driving through the gates of Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West is relaxing, with its pristine mountain views, vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, clean air and the sound of birds flitting around the newly landscaped gardens. But as of December 2017, Lourensford is much more than just a place to enjoy the delights of a working wine farm – it’s now also a place of healing.
The newest addition to the Lourensford estate’s facilities, the Healing Hub and Life Retreat was started by Dr Mothomang Diaho and Nthabiseng Shongwe and Patricia and Samantha Taylor, two strong, highly qualified and dynamic mother-and-daughter teams who live and breathe the hub’s ethos of authentic, holistic healing and wellness using a natural approach.
The Healing Hub contains several different elements. The movement studio is located within the beautiful estate grounds and is all about experiencing body, mind, movement and breath in a spectacular natural setting. Classes include yoga, Pilates, Nia dancing, Zumba, tai chi, ballet barre and meditation. The yoga classes are becoming especially popular, and it’s no wonder why – they’re often held outside on the estate lawns under the calming view of the Helderberg mountain range. There are also family classes on weekends where the kids and parents can get involved.
On the healing side, the hub’s Spiral Aloe Medical Spa is much more than just a place to be pampered with massages, facials, waxes or manis and pedis. It’s also a registered medical practice offering a host of therapeutic treatments that incorporate various healing modalities, such as functional medicine, emotional recovery, Chinese medicine, iridology, homeopathy, hypnotherapy and psychology.
Beyond this, Lourensford has expanded its coffee shop and also has an art gallery, a lifestyle shop selling proudly local products, guided hikes, clay pigeon shooting up in the hills and wine and chocolate pairings. On weekends, the Lourensford Market buzzes with families and locals enjoying the live music and stalls selling everything from handcrafted household items to freshly made meals.
With all this on offer, Lourensford is the ideal destination to slow down and escape city life, whether that means focusing on health, healing, movement or eating and drinking.
Healing Hub and Life Retreat
087 1505 042
liferetreat.co.za
